Cormega was raised in Long Island City, Queens, forming childhood friendships with future rappers such as Nas, AZ, Nature, and Capone-N-Noreaga.
1980s
He was featured on Hot Day's "Going Straight Up" from his album "It's My Turn". He was also featured on Blaq Poet & DJ Hot Day's track "Set It Off" from their album "Without Warning" in 1991.
1990s
Cormega was sentenced to 5–15 years in prison for armed robbery in 1991. Despite his incarceration, Cormega gained some attention following a shout-out from Nas on his song "One Love", from the critically acclaimed Illmatic album.
Cormega was released from prison on appeal after serving almost 4 years in New York's Mid-State Correctional Facility. Following his release in 1995, Cormega became determined to pursue rapping. Nas included him on a song entitled "Affirmative Action" for his second album It Was Written. The song also featured AZ and Foxy Brown, and became The Firm's first appearance. Based on his performance, he was signed to Def Jam and recorded an album called The Testament. Based on the buzz from "Affirmative Action," Nas, his manager Steve Stoute and producers Dr. Dre and Trackmasters joined to produce The Firm. Cormega was replaced with another artist, Nature, because either he would not sign a contract with Stoute or Stoute felt Nature was a better rapper. This led to an alleged altercation between Cormega and Nature. Cormega's dispute with Stoute also ended his friendship with Nas. Following the end of his membership in The Firm, Alex Trojano contributed in producing his album The Testament. Meanwhile, following a falling-out over creative differences with his manager Chris Lighty and Def-Jam imprint Violator Records, his debut album The Testament was indefinitely shelved. During the recording for The Testament Cormega responded to Nas' "One Love" in the form of a letter also entitled "One Love".
2000s
In 2000, he was released from his contract and he started his own record company, Legal Hustle Records. Cormega vented his disappointment with Nas and The Firm in a mixtape song titled "Never Personal".This song was never directly pointed to Nas, but the media made it look like that. In 2001, he released his new debut album, The Realness, which was acclaimed by critics. Many of the songs share a theme of betrayal. Nas responded to Cormega on his song "Destroy and Rebuild" from his album Stillmatic. Cormega retaliated with more mixtape tracks, "A Slick Response" and "Realmatic". Nas revisited the Cormega beef in his song "The Cross" on the album God's Son. In reference to Cormega, Nas rapped "What I've discovered is my brother's tryin to be/The next me, yeah I support him but he's blinded I see/ Jealousy he love me to death and I'm buggin I love him for life/ We both still mournin on our mother's life" (referencing the fact that Cormega's mother was murdered when he was four).
Cormega's follow-up album, The True Meaning won the Source Magazine's prestigious Underground Album of the Year Award. In 2004, he followed up with Legal Hustle (a compilation album showcasing his label's artists) and other talented hip-hop lyricists such as Ghostface Killah, Large Professor, AZ, Kurupt, Jayo Felony, and several others. This album is considered by some as more of a project than an actual solo album; nonetheless it was well received. In 2005, he was able to release The Testament on his own label, which saw good reviews and sales and featured the original banned version of "Dead Man Walking" as a hidden track.
In early September 2005, Cormega posted a statement on his website that he and Nas had spoken and ended their feud. Cormega explained that their conversation had come about due to the death of Cormega's grandmother. Both rappers have stated the possibility of a collaboration. On December 22, 2006 at the Nokia Theatre Times Square, Cormega appeared on stage at a Nas concert and went on to perform with Nas (and Foxy Brown as well), further evidence that their feud is over.
The feud was settled in Cormega's home in early December 2005, when Cormega and Nas realized that it was destructive for each of them. It is not known who was responsible for their meeting but both artists are now working alone. In the mid-2000s Cormega helped produce a few albums and was featured on several songs with The Jacka and the Mob Figaz.
An album collaboration with Lakey The Kid entitled My Brother's Keeper was released independently on August 22, 2006. On November 20, 2007, Cormega finally released his DVD in-the-making Who am I?. The DVD took over four years of filming of Cormega in all aspects of his life and what others thought of Cormega, unedited. The DVD was released as a soundtrack plus DVD. Cormega intended to release an album which was to be entitled Urban Legend before T.I.'s album of the same name was released (Cormega mentions this on the Who Am I DVD, dated circa 2003); the new title is Born and Raised. The album was released October 20, 2009. The first single is called "Journey."
2010s
Cormega has stated his desire to work with a variety of artists including Scarface, Lauryn Hill, Slick Rick, as well as past collaborators M.O.P., Mobb Deep, and tha Dogg Pound.
Cormega's Album "Raw Forever" was released on 2011.
His latest work is the Album Mega Philosophy. It was produced by Large Professor and released on July 22, 2014.
All I Need Is You Featuring Jonell
Cormega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo Tek whattup with them niggaz in Cincinnati? {*celly rings*}
Word? I gotta come out there son {*ringing*} hold on one second
[C] Yo
[J] Hey
[C] Whassup?
[J] Chillin
[J] Workin?
[C] Yeah.. knahmsayin?
[J] Well when you comin home?
[C] I'ma be there later on
[J] Well look we need to talk, cause..
[C] *chk* Ahh boy
[J] {*laughs*}
[C] Yo, listen, check this out
[Cormega]
Yo, last night I had a dream it had me open like a fiend
And all I remember is me, you, the moon and ocean breeze
My heartbeat increased like I seen approachin D's
I relapsed cause of these words you spoke to me
You said you want to feel me - inside you - conceal me
I belong to you no other woman could steal me
We mentally attached, essential in fact
What you give is so real you know I had to give it back
How I feel don't even matter if I ain't expressin (affection)
My mind was affected you healed me (we destined)
Your beauty so addictive, I can't deny your presence
So pure I gotta add cut to spread you on
You're all I need in this world to succeed
I won't let you go cause I can see you trust me
I'll never leave or deceive you, and if it's understood
Then we can be together cause you treat a nigga good
[Chorus: Jonell]
All I need is you - in my life, to be down with me..
All I need is you - to hold me, and to make me see..
All I need is you - to be there, in my time of need..
All I need is you - I'll be there, when you need me to be..
[Cormega]
When I was runnin the street I know you wanted to leave
Especially the time, you found a nine in my jeans
But you persevered, gave work and tears
That's why I'll never desert you or hurt you yeah
I used to keep feelings concealed, now I reveal 'em
I was hustlin to get right, now we chillin
Oh my man starin at ceiling thinkin of children
And any other situation we might deal with
At first, I was hesitatin, makin a commitment
Now I see you different - so many ways
I need a queen like a king did in great Egyptian days
And it seems you've been afraid I might get into things
That might put me away for years, save your fears
Listen ma, let's get one thing clear
I'll never leave you, deceive you, and if it's understood
We can be together cause you treat a nigga good
[Chorus]
[Cormega]
Yo, I'm not the type to have a next chick call on your phone
Come see you at night and in the morning you alone
I keep it real with you, like my connect you got it good
I need to deal with you, have yet to leave the hood
But I'm still with you everytime you need me I'm there for you
If I didn't care for you why would I be here for you?
You 'pear loyal, got the kid spoiled
On the low I don't think I was prepared for you
You cook good, look good, Boo I adore you
And if you get me mad we won't fight I'll ignore you (yeah right)
Just playin, but yo I'm just sayin
I'm about to go, cause Hi-Tek waitin
Yo son that beat ready?
And guns is rusty
I'm stingy with trust, you only get once to fuck me
The pure white endorser, skills real like a Porsche
For the cash I'm there like a stalker, uhh
You say the same shit
I play the game with skills like Latrell, and write so well
And I gotta go to heaven cause my life is hell
If I quit rap, this cook white gon' sell
You niggaz got fat while I did time in jail
Now it's time to pay, the rhymes you say
Sound a lot like mine, but not quite as ill
As my rhymin skill, I could relate to how Tyson feel
My life is real, you're the fragment
Of somebody else life, or shit you imagined
It's like the beat make me react savage...
The song "All I Need Is You" by Cormega featuring Jonell is a love song that expresses the rapper's feelings for his significant other. He reflects on his past and how much she has supported him and never left his side. In the intro, Hel-Tek, his friend from Cincinnati calls, but Cormega is busy dreaming about his love interest. Throughout the song, he talks about how she is all he needs to succeed in life and how she has been there for him through his hustle days. They are in a committed relationship, and Cormega even tells her that no other woman could steal him away as they are mentally attached. He expresses his willingness to be there for her when she needs him.
The chorus serves as a reminder that all he needs is her; she is the one woman who has always had his back, and she has been there for him through thick and thin. He acknowledges her loyalty, expressing his admiration for her beauty and how addicted he is to her. The song is a testament to the power of true love and how it can change someone. Cormega depicts the importance of having someone who loves and supports you unconditionally in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo Tek whattup with them niggaz in Cincinnati? {*celly rings*}
Cormega is asking Tek about some people in Cincinnati via phone.
Word? I gotta come out there son {*ringing*} hold on one second
Tek responds positively, and Cormega puts the phone down temporarily.
Yo, last night I had a dream it had me open like a fiend
Cormega tells Jonell about a dream he had that affected him greatly.
And all I remember is me, you, the moon and ocean breeze
Cormega recollects the dream he had with Jonell by the moon and the sea.
My heartbeat increased like I seen approachin D's
The dream intensified Cormega's heartbeat as if he were in a tense situation with police officers.
I relapsed cause of these words you spoke to me
Jonell's words brought Cormega back to his old habits.
You said you want to feel me - inside you - conceal me
Jonell desires to experience Cormega intimately and to keep him to herself.
I belong to you no other woman could steal me
Cormega is Jonell's exclusively and no other woman can take him away from her.
We mentally attached, essential in fact
Cormega and Jonell's bond is strong mentally and necessary to each other.
What you give is so real you know I had to give it back
Jonell's realness made Cormega reciprocate her feelings.
How I feel don't even matter if I ain't expressin (affection)
Cormega's feelings don't count if he is not expressing affection to Jonell.
My mind was affected you healed me (we destined)
Jonell's presence positively impacted Cormega's mind, and they have a destined partnership.
Your beauty so addictive, I can't deny your presence
Jonell's beauty is irresistible to Cormega, and he can't help but notice her presence.
So pure I gotta add cut to spread you on
Jonell is so pure that she needs some kind of an impurity (cut) to make her relatable to Cormega.
You're all I need in this world to succeed
Jonell is Cormega's only requirement to succeed in life.
I won't let you go cause I can see you trust me
Cormega is confident that Jonell trusts him, and he won't leave her because of this.
I'll never leave or deceive you, and if it's understood
Cormega assures Jonell that he'll never desert or trick her, and they'll be together if she agrees to it.
Then we can be together cause you treat a nigga good
Jonell treats Cormega well, and they can have a future together because of that.
All I need is you - in my life, to be down with me..
Jonell needs Cormega in her life and wants him to be supportive.
All I need is you - to hold me, and to make me see..
Jonell wants Cormega to comfort her and make her understand things better.
All I need is you - to be there, in my time of need..
Jonell wants Cormega to be present when she requires his assistance.
All I need is you - I'll be there, when you need me to be..
Jonell promises that she'll be there to support Cormega when he requires her help.
When I was runnin the street I know you wanted to leave
Jonell considered leaving Cormega when he was hustling on the streets.
Especially the time, you found a nine in my jeans
Jonell discovered a gun in Cormega's jeans which caused further doubt and concern.
But you persevered, gave work and tears
Despite the problems, Jonell persisted, and gave her energy, and tears to make the relationship work.
That's why I'll never desert you or hurt you yeah
Cormega assures Jonell that he'll always be there for her no matter what happens.
I used to keep feelings concealed, now I reveal 'em
Cormega never used to express his emotions, but now he's vocal about them
I was hustlin to get right, now we chillin
Cormega used to hustle to get ahead in life, but things have changed, and he's now relaxed.
Oh my man starin at ceiling thinkin of children
Cormega thinks about starting a family with Jonell.
And any other situation we might deal with
Cormega is confident that they can overcome any challenge they face in life.
At first, I was hesitatin, makin a commitment
Cormega was initially hesitant to make a long-term commitment.
Now I see you different - so many ways
Cormega realizes Jonell's value and sees her in various positive lights.
I need a queen like a king did in great Egyptian days
Cormega needs a powerful partner like the kings of ancient Egypt had queens.
And it seems you've been afraid I might get into things
Jonell has been anxious about Cormega getting involved in dangerous activities.
That might put me away for years, save your fears
Cormega tries to alleviate Jonell's concerns about ending up in jail for a long time.
Listen ma, let's get one thing clear
Cormega wants to make something apparent to Jonell.
I'll never leave you, deceive you, and if it's understood
Cormega promises to stay loyal and truthful to Jonell and be with her if she's okay with that.
We can be together cause you treat a nigga good
As long as Jonell continues to treat him well, Cormega will be with her.
Yo, I'm not the type to have a next chick call on your phone
Cormega does not let other women call Jonell's phone to minimize confusion.
Come see you at night and in the morning you alone
Cormega makes sure Jonell is not alone at night or in the morning whenever possible.
I keep it real with you, like my connect you got it good
Cormega is honest with Jonell, and she has a good thing going with him like his dealer.
I need to deal with you, have yet to leave the hood
Cormega wants to stay with Jonell forever, and he hasn't had a reason to leave the hood.
But I'm still with you everytime you need me I'm there for you
Cormega is always present when Jonell needs him.
If I didn't care for you why would I be here for you?
Cormega emphasizes that he's there for Jonell because he cares for her.
You 'pear loyal, got the kid spoiled
Jonell looks faithful, and Cormega acknowledges that he has been spoilt by her.
On the low I don't think I was prepared for you
Cormega never saw himself as ready for Jonell, but he still fell for her.
You cook good, look good, Boo I adore you
Cormega loves Jonell for her cooking and looks, and he calls her Boo.
And if you get me mad we won't fight I'll ignore you (yeah right)
Cormega jokingly says that he would ignore Jonell if she annoyed him, but it's not true.
Just playin, but yo I'm just sayin
Cormega admitting to Jonell that he was kidding and wanted to tell her something.
I'm about to go, cause Hi-Tek waitin
Cormega is leaving because Hi-Tek is waiting for him to work on something.
Yo son that beat ready?
Cormega asks if the beat is ready for him to work on.
And guns is rusty
Cormega may have rusty guns that he hasn't used in a while.
I'm stingy with trust, you only get once to fuck me
Cormega doesn't trust easily and will only let someone get close to him once.
The pure white endorser, skills real like a Porsche
Cormega endorses the purity of white while rapping about his genuine skills that are top-notch like a Porsche car.
For the cash I'm there like a stalker, uhh
Cormega will do anything to get money, even if it means being as persistent as a stalker.
You say the same shit
Cormega believes others are envious of his rap prowess and claim to do the same thing.
I play the game with skills like Latrell, and write so well
Cormega boasts that he's a skilled rapper and an excellent writer.
And I gotta go to heaven cause my life is hell
Cormega has lived a challenging life and hopes to go to heaven when he dies.
If I quit rap, this cook white gon' sell
Cormega relies on selling drugs to make money and would continue to do it if he stopped rapping.
You niggaz got fat while I did time in jail
While Cormega was behind bars, his rivals became big and successful.
Now it's time to pay, the rhymes you say
Cormega wants his rivals to pay for their actions and futile raps.
Sound a lot like mine, but not quite as ill
Cormega believes that his rivals' rhymes are like his but less superior.
As my rhymin skill, I could relate to how Tyson feel
Cormega relates his rap skills to the boxing skills of Mike Tyson.
My life is real, you're the fragment
Cormega's life is authentic, whereas his rivals' lives are pieces of reality.
Of somebody else life, or shit you imagined
Cormega hints that his rivals' lives are narratives that they have created for themselves.
It's like the beat make me react savage...
Cormega feels like the instrumental incites him to go off the rails and rap aggressively.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: COREY MCKAY, SHANNON SHOWES, TONY COTTRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SpottieOttieDopaliscious Angel
My hearts strings have been tugged. I love hip hop songs that express love between a man and woman. ❤️
Dj Junior del Guaguanco
I love this song!
Andrea Orjuela
Infinitamente !!
BABALU
hola, me encanta ese tema 😽
money baby
Dope music
JEF•SPARK•aka•h○me•skillet•Fr○m•NY
I never heard this version 🔥🔥🔥 #newyork #queensny #hiphop2002
Nina Perez
🔥
The United Ronin NetwoR4ks ™️
Such a bittersweet tune 🥲🌹
Rebecca Nido
Real
Rudolf Salay
Becca Starr yeah it sounds so fuckin real... :))))) this is the thing, why I'm every day spending much time on YouTube.. and I'm grateful to all realhiphopheads for sharing such a beautiful things like that!